The skies over Grande Prairie are set to come alive this weekend as the Grande Prairie Regional Airshow returns to the Grande Prairie Airport on August 1 and 2.
The two-day event is expected to draw aviation enthusiasts and families from across northwestern Alberta and northeastern B.C. for what organizers describe as the largest airshow in the region.
The event will feature aerial demonstrations, military vehicle displays, static aircraft exhibits and family-friendly activities.
Gates will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, with flying performances scheduled from noon until 4 p.m., weather permitting.
Headlining this year’s show are the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s famed demonstration team.
The nine-aircraft formation team has served as Canada’s national aerial demonstration squadron since 1971 and is based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
Organizers say the Snowbirds remain one of the most anticipated attractions of the event.
This year marks the final chance to see the Snowbirds and their iconic CT-114 Tutor jets before the team is grounded until the early 2030s for a fleet replacement.
Other performers scheduled to take part include the CF-18 Tactical Demonstration Team, the Canadian Forces Skyhawks parachute team, Undaunted Airshows, RedFox Airshows pilot Yuichi Takagi, freestyle motocross rider Keith Sayers and the Insanity Jet Car.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to view several aircraft and military displays on the ground, including a B-25 Bomber, P-38 Lightning, P-47 Thunderbolt, PBY-5A Canso and vehicles from the Valour Park collection.
The airshow returned in 2024 after a 19-year hiatus and has continued to grow, with organizers expanding programming for families and aviation fans.
Organizers say the event supports community projects while bringing a major regional attraction back to the area.
Limited on-site parking passes are available, while free shuttle service will operate throughout the day from Northwestern Polytechnic, Grande Prairie Composite High School and St. Joseph Catholic High School.
Approximately 30 buses will run between the parking locations and the airport from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
Tickets remain available ahead of the weekend event. Organizers are encouraging attendees to follow the airshow’s social media channels for updates on performers, schedules and event information.